Local traffic on Bell Road Bridge over I- 295 to stop over weekend

This chart shows the proposed construction timeline for the four stages of the Direct Connection project, which will allow drivers to stay on I-295 as they cross over I-76/Route 42 via an overpass. The project is split into four contracts, one of which has already been awarded to PKF Mark III Inc., for approximately $160 million. The total cost of the project is expected to reach $900 million. The green line labeled Ã¢ÂÂÂÂAdvanced ITSÃ¢ÂÂÂÂ represents preparation work, including installing traffic signs and cameras.

BELLMAWR — Local traffic across the Bell Road Bridge will be closed from Friday night to Monday morning as crews continue working on the Direct Connection interstate highway project in Bellmawr and Mount Ephraim.

The roadway will be closed to all local traffic from 9 p.m. Friday to about 6 a.m. Monday as the contractor hired by the state Department of Transportation (NJDOT) — PFK Mark III — installs new sewer pipes.

The road passes over Interstate 295.

The detour will use Browning Road (County Route 659) and the Black Horse Pike (Route 168), NJDOT announced. Emergency personnel won’t be able to pass barricades on Bell Road, officials said, because the deep sewer line installation trench spans the width of the roadway.

The Bell Road bridge has been restricted to a single travel lane (on the southbound side) serving both directions since July with traffic being controlled by two temporary traffic signals positioned at each end of the bridge.

Once the work on the northbound side of the bridge is completed, the new portion of the bridge will be opened — with the single lane traffic operation shifted to the northbound side — as work then begins to replace the southbound half of the Bell Road Bridge.

This work is expected to be completed in Spring 2014. Overnight lane closures are permitted on I-295 underneath the bridge.

This work is part of the Direct Connection project that will provide a seamless route for I-295 motorists traveling through the interchange of I-295, I-76, and Route 42. The Bell Road Bridge improvements are part of the $160 million Contract 1, which includes work along I-295 south of Essex Avenue, along I-76 in the Market Street area, and along two Route 42 ramps.

The Creek Road and Bell Road bridges will be replaced and several stretches of roadways will be temporarily widened to accommodate work under future contracts. Work under this first contract is expected to be completed in the fall of 2015.

The Direct Connection project has been divided into four separate construction contracts, with completion of the fourth and final contract in the fall of 2021. NJDOT’s project website provides construction activity schedules and updates.

Additional portable variable message signs are being utilized throughout the project limits to provide advance notification to the motoring public of all traffic pattern changes associated with Direct Connection.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.